PACU Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse (RN) Pre & PACU Unit

At the Connecticut Joint and Spine Institute within Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, the Registered Nurse (RN) in the Pre & PACU unit provides comprehensive perioperative care for patients undergoing orthopedic and spine procedures in a specialized surgical setting.

What You Will Do

• Deliver high-quality pre-operative and post-anesthesia care for patients undergoing joint and spine surgeries.
• Conduct thorough pre-operative assessments, initiate IVs, and support anesthesia preparation.
• Monitor patients through Phase 1 and 2 recovery, ensuring safe emergence from anesthesia, pain control, and readiness for discharge or inpatient transfer.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited nursing program with an Associate's degree in Nursing is required.
• Valid RN license in Connecticut.
• The ideal candidate will have one or more years of inpatient PACU experience supporting inpatient surgical recovery.

Preferred

• Candidates with 2+ years of ICU-level nursing experience in an ICU or Emergency Room setting may be considered if they demonstrate expertise in ICU-level ventilated patient care, critical drips (e.g., vasopressors, sedatives), and strong assessment skills. Note: Training is not available for candidates without this expertise.
• BLS/CPR certification (AHA or ARC)
• ACLS and TNCC certification (support available post-hire)
• Proficiency in ASPAN standards and guidelines

Important Consideration

This role is not designed for new graduates or those seeking training for inpatient PACU nursing. Candidates must be able to function independently in the Preop and PACU, and their resumes must demonstrate expertise in ICU-level ventilated patient care, critical drips (e.g., vasopressors, sedatives), and strong assessment skills.

Position Highlights and Benefits

• Full-Time 36 hours/week Day Shift
• Monday thru Friday, no weekend or holidays.
• Variable shift start times, with 9-hour shifts
• Minimal on-call to support off shifts and weekends; minimal frequency is based on unit needs

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly Staff RN position; pay range: $37.25 $61.75/hour. Pay is based on working RN experience only. Exempt positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be paid within the base salary equivalent of the stated hourly rates. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on location.
• Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
• Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, and Vision Coverage, Day 1
• Retirement Savings Program with Employer Match, Day 1
• Time Off - may include Paid Time Off, Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays, Day 1
• Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development Opportunities
• Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance
• Well-being Initiative
• Career Growth and Advancement Opportunities within Trinity Health

Ministry/Facility Information

Saint Francis Hospital, established in 1897, has been a cornerstone institution in Connecticut. As a proud member of Trinity Health Of New England and Trinity Health, it stands as one of the nation's largest multi-institutional Catholic healthcare delivery systems. Recognized as a Level 1 Trauma Center, Saint Francis Hospital boasts 617 beds and serves as a significant teaching hospital in the region.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

St. Joseph's College of Nursing